Newgrey2020

Thank you! I’m in the north of Scotland so it’s a fairly pleasant 16 degrees with a gentle breeze. I never intended the walk to be anywhere near that long but he’s a hefty 30kg and I didn’t want to have to pull him too much one way or the other. I would be happy to have him sleep upstairs but he won’t go anywhere near the stairs right now- so I’ll definitely try sleeping on the couch for a few nights, we’ll see how we get on!

Hey all. I’m looking for some advice. I picked up my 4 and a half year old retired racer yesterday. Now I know it’s extremely early days but I want to start off on the right foot. We had a long 4 hour drive from the kennels to where I stay, stopping once since he was asleep most of the time. The plan is to have him sleep downstairs as he would have more room and access to water. I also work full time (school teacher) so I hope it might help with separation anxiety in the long run? He lasts 2 minutes before he comes looking for me whenever I leave the room. Last night was horrendous, I never slept, he was stressed, whining and barking. I know that was night one and I was expecting it but am I wishful thinking that he’ll get used to it? I’m trying to make sure he’s tired tonight- been on an unintentional 1.5 hour walk today when he refused to turn backward and we had to do a huge loop. We’ll go for a shorter 30 minute walk around dinner time. Will this help or am I in for no sleep for a while? He’s also heavy breathing/panting most of the time and the freezing on walks, I’m assuming and have been told it’s normal for the adjustment period but it’s freaking me out. He’s been fab so far, no accidents in the house, great with other dogs and passing kids on bikes. I just want to make it as easy as I can for him. Should I be trying to keep him always awake during the day so he’s properly tired at night? I know I could do with some naps today. Thanks in advance!